The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev’d Ifeanyi Akunna, has commiserated with the family of a woman reportedly trampled to death on Thursday in a stampede triggered by a food distribution programme organised by the Cross River State government.
In a statement he personally signed, the Bishop said he was “deeply saddened” by the “distressing news of the tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained during the empowerment distribution in Ogoja.”
He added: “On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Ogoja, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their beloved ones in this unfortunate incident. No words can adequately express the pain of losing a loved one, especially under circumstances that could have been avoided.”
The Bishop prayed that the Holy Spirit, “our Divine Comforter, will console, strengthen and uphold them in this difficult moment,” and asked that the souls of the departed “through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Also Read: Cross River stampede kills woman at empowerment event
He also commiserated with the government and people of Cross River State, describing the outcome as heartbreaking. “It is indeed heartbreaking that an initiative intended to bring relief, hope and assistance to the good people of Ogoja ended in sorrow, mourning and the needless loss of innocent lives,” he said. “What was meant to be a gesture of goodwill and compassion has sadly turned into an occasion of grief.”
While commending the state government for its empowerment and welfare initiatives, the Bishop urged that steps be taken to prevent a recurrence. “The distribution of relief materials and other public welfare interventions must be properly coordinated, with adequate security arrangements, crowd-control measures and respect for the dignity and safety of every human life,” he said.
He praised Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to bearing the medical expenses of those receiving treatment, calling the gesture “commendable” and asking that it be sustained until the victims have fully recovered.
The Bishop also commended the Nigerian military and the police for their timely intervention, saying it “brought the situation under control and prevented further casualties.”
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